When it comes to the question of what time of year birds eat suet, the answer may surprise you. While many people associate suet feeding with the winter months, the truth is that birds enjoy suet all year round. In fact, suet can be a valuable food source for birds during the spring and summer months as well.
During the spring and summer seasons, suet can play a crucial role in providing essential nutrients for brooding birds and their nestlings. The high-calorie content of suet makes it an ideal food for birds that are actively raising young. It offers a quick and convenient source of energy that can help them meet the demands of parenthood.
Furthermore, suet that contains additional ingredients such as insects or fruit can be especially appealing to a wide variety of bird species. Birds are always on the lookout for protein-rich food sources, and suet that includes insects can mimic their natural diet and provide them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
Another benefit of offering suet to birds during the warmer months is that it can serve as a valuable source of insects when they are in short supply. Insect populations often decline in the summer, making it more challenging for birds to find an adequate food source. Suet that includes insects can help bridge this gap and ensure that birds have access to the protein they need.
Additionally, providing suet during the spring and summer can attract a diverse array of bird species to your backyard. Many birds that may not typically visit suet feeders in the winter months, such as orioles, tanagers, and warblers, are more likely to be drawn to suet during the warmer seasons when insects and fruits are more abundant.
Offering suet to birds year-round can also help you establish a reliable food source for your feathered friends. By providing suet consistently throughout the year, you can create a predictable feeding routine that birds will come to rely on. This can lead to regular visits from a variety of bird species and provide you with the opportunity to observe their behavior up close.
In conclusion, while many people associate suet feeding with the winter months, birds can benefit from suet all year round. By offering suet during the spring and summer, you can provide essential nutrients for brooding birds, attract a diverse array of bird species, and help supplement their diet when insect populations are low. So, if you’re looking to attract more birds to your backyard and support their health and well-being, consider offering suet throughout the year.
